das  Veto

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈveːto/

🗳️ What does "das Veto" mean?

The German word das Veto (from Latin: veto = "I forbid") refers to an objection or refusal that blocks or prevents a decision, resolution, or law. It's a right usually granted to specific individuals, groups, or institutions (e.g., a head of state, a member of a security council) to stop measures.

It is always das Veto (neuter) because it represents an abstract concept or a right.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'das Veto' in Detail

Das Veto is a neuter noun. Its declension is as follows:

Example Sentences

• Der Präsident legte sein Veto gegen das Gesetz ein. (The president vetoed the law / used his veto against the law.)
• Ein ständiges Mitglied des Sicherheitsrates kann mit seinem Veto eine Resolution blockieren. (A permanent member of the Security Council can block a resolution with its veto.)
• Ihr Veto verhinderte die geplante Änderung. (Her/Their veto prevented the planned change.)
• Die zahlreichen Vetos verzögerten den Entscheidungsprozess erheblich. (The numerous vetoes significantly delayed the decision-making process.)

🗣️ How to use "das Veto"?

Das Veto is primarily used in political, legal, or organizational contexts. It describes the formal right to prevent a decision.

• Typical Collocation: The most common phrase is "ein Veto einlegen" (to cast a veto / to use one's veto power).
• Context: One speaks of a Veto in votes within committees (e.g., UN Security Council), legislative processes (e.g., presidential veto), or even in less formal situations where someone expresses strong disapproval that stops an action ("Mein Vater legte sein Veto gegen den Urlaub ein." - My father vetoed the vacation plans.).
• Comparison: While Einspruch (objection) or Widerspruch (contradiction) are more general forms of disagreement, das Veto often implies a specific, formal, institutionalized right with binding effect.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Recht (the right). Das Veto is a specific right, and 'Recht' is neuter (das). So: das Recht -> das Veto.

Meaning Mnemonic: Veto sounds a bit like the English word "veto" itself, which directly means to forbid or prohibit something, especially officially.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms for 'das Veto'

⚠️ Caution: While similar, these words don't always carry the same weight as das Veto, which often refers to a specific, formal right.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef seine Mitarbeiter: "Wer ist für den Vorschlag?" Alle heben die Hand. "Und wer ist dagegen?" Keiner meldet sich. Sagt der Chef: "Ausgezeichnet, mein Veto entscheidet also!"

(Translation: The boss asks his employees: "Who is for the proposal?" Everyone raises their hand. "And who is against it?" Nobody speaks up. The boss says: "Excellent, so my veto decides!")

📜 A Short Poem

Ein Plan wird kühn erdacht,
die Mehrheit hat's schon ausgemacht.
Doch einer ruft mit lauter Stimm':
"Ich leg mein Veto ein, ganz schlimm!"
So stoppt ein Wort den Lauf der Dinge,
dass keine Änderung gelinge.

(Translation: A plan is boldly conceived, / the majority has already decided. / But one calls out with a loud voice: / "I cast my veto, how terrible!" / Thus a word stops the course of things, / so that no change succeeds.)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin kein König, doch mein Wort hat Macht,
hab' manchen Plan schon jäh zunicht gemacht.
Im Rat, im Staat werd' ich oft eingelegt,
wenn Widerspruch sich gegen Mehrheit regt.

Was bin ich?

(Translation: I am no king, yet my word holds power, / I've abruptly destroyed many a plan. / In council, in state, I am often invoked, / when opposition stirs against the majority.

What am I?)

(Solution: das Veto)

🌐 More Interesting Facts

• Word Origin: Veto comes directly from Latin and literally means "I forbid". It was the phrase used by tribunes of the plebs in ancient Rome to block resolutions of the Senate or magistrates.
• Famous Example: The veto power of the five permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, USA) of the United Nations Security Council is a prominent example of the use of the veto in international politics. (Das Vetorecht der fünf ständigen Mitglieder im UN-Sicherheitsrat).